Do You Choose Animal Spirits or Do They Choose You?

I have a small red fox who runs through the woods with me during shamanic journeys. He is playful, quick, and game for adventure. These are qualities I need when I begin a journey and so I really appreciate his arrival and support.

For many years, when visiting western states, I would look admiringly at the tiny stone fetishes in glass cases. They were all so precious, but none spoke to me directly. I liked the idea of a spirit or power animal. I just didn’t know how to identify one. I tried meditation, I drew animal tarot cards, and I stayed alert for a roadrunner or other creature to pop up in my path announcing itself; but to no avail.

Celtic Spirit, Celtic Wisdom, Spirit AnimalsJeanne CraneApril 12, 2021spirit animal, spirit guide, guided meditation, Shamanism, Drum

Drumming

When I was in high school, yearbooks had captions under each senior’s name. One that was often used was “Music soothes the most savage beast, but I play the drum.” It is actually a misquote. The original was “Music has charms to soothe the savage beast. To soften rocks or bend a knotted Oak.” (Congreve).

Either way, the point was: there is a power to music, especially the drum, that goes back to ancient times. That power may express or incite anger, soothe, or even heal. The simple beat of a drum can do any or all of those. We might first think of the beat of a bass drum or the rat-a-tat of a snare drum in a parade or military marching band. The Scottish tattoo is classic as are other pipe and drum songs, like “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” Or we might think of the electrified drum beat of hard rock.

Celtic Spirit, EnergyJeanne CraneJuly 20, 2020music, Drum, quote, vibration, healing, meditation, stillness, bodhran